Friday, May 22, 2009

“…gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime….let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation’s gratitude, -- the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.”

–General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 may 1868

Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868The Moment of Remembrance is a step in the right direction to returning the meaning back to the day. What is needed is a full return to the original day of observance. Set aside one day out of the year for the nation to get together to remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country.

*by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes. *by visiting memorials. *by flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon. *by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act). *by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played. *by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.

The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Often we do not observe the day as it should be, a day where we actively remember our ancestors, our family members, our loved ones, our neighbors, and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice: (pictures courtesy of my camera Dec. 08 Washington DC) LEAST WE NOT FORGET.....have a safe weekend my friends.